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Recommend on: Need Keyboard for HTPC mini

mtsmts Dr. Robot KingRegistered User regular
edited April 2011 in Help / Advice Forum
So picked up a mac mini to use as a media center. Would like to pick up a dedicated keyboard rather than unplug my keyboard from my PC when i need it.

Saw the Microsoft Arc that seemed pretty nice http://amzn.to/gVrN9N


It seemed nice and small but wanted to see what people were using. Basically want it small as possible with wireless or bluetooth connectivity, obviously needs to work on a mac

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Posts

  • Skoal CatSkoal Cat Registered User regular
    edited April 2011
    From the Newegg reviews
    Cons: Transmission distance could be better. Seemed that after the batteries were drained a bit, the reliable distance was closer to 3-4 feet. Lag was noticeable at 6 feet. But I really only needed a couple feet.
    This is about what my HTPC keyboard operates at, and its crap.

    Skoal Cat on
  • mtsmts Dr. Robot King Registered User regular
    edited April 2011
    Well that distance is not really an issue, my living room isn't that big. so you have this and think its crap or your crappy keyboard has this range?

    mts on
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  • DaenrisDaenris Registered User regular
    edited April 2011
    Depending on the size you want (i.e. are you going to use it as an actual computer keyboard, or do you want more of a remote control type device) the VisionTek Candyboard keyboards are pretty small (http://www.amazon.com/VisionTek-CANDYBOARD-Bluetooth-Wireless-900335/dp/B004FI841K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1302409720&sr=1-2 for the bluetooth, but there's also an RF one if you prefer).

    Personally I've been looking at this Cideko (http://www.amazon.com/Cideko-Keyboard-Wireless-Media-Mouse/dp/B0030UJK2G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1302409684&sr=1-1 ) though I haven't had a chance to get hands on to see one, and it's quite a bit pricier than the MS one you linked.

    Daenris on
  • Skoal CatSkoal Cat Registered User regular
    edited April 2011
    mts wrote: »
    Well that distance is not really an issue, my living room isn't that big. so you have this and think its crap or your crappy keyboard has this range?

    You sit no more than four feet away from where you'd place the receiver? That is unbelievably close. You might want to measure just to be sure.

    Skoal Cat on
  • BlindZenDriverBlindZenDriver Registered User regular
    edited April 2011
    What about the little wireless Apple keyboard.

    BlindZenDriver on
    Bones heal, glory is forever.
  • mtsmts Dr. Robot King Registered User regular
    edited April 2011
    Skoal your right. I was thinking the closest edge of my couch which is pretty close to the mini.


    I thought about the apple keyboard but it would cost nearly double that microsoft one and I would like to keep costs down since I don't think i would use the keyboard all that much, I just want something to have accessable really

    mts on
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  • MushroomStickMushroomStick Registered User regular
    edited April 2011
    mts wrote: »
    Skoal your right. I was thinking the closest edge of my couch which is pretty close to the mini.


    I thought about the apple keyboard but it would cost nearly double that microsoft one and I would like to keep costs down since I don't think i would use the keyboard all that much, I just want something to have accessable really

    Then why does it have to be a wireless keyboard? Why don't you just use a cheap wired keyboard for now, and if you find yourself using it more often than you expected, perhaps it'd be worth investing in a nicer wireless one.

    MushroomStick on
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